If you want to make your writing more concise, watch out for the wordy phrases listed below. Each usually bears replacement with a shorter alternative. This list is new and obviously far from complete, so please comment if you have any to add.
A
As of late: lately.
As per: just per.
B
Basis (e.g., on a daily basis, on a regular basis): just daily, regularly, etc.
(In) between: Between often works in place of in between.
C
D
Do damage to: just damage.
Do harm to: just harm.
During the course of: wordy for during.
E
F
First and foremost: One or the other usually would suffice.
For the duration of: wordy for during, through, for, or throughout.
For the purpose(s) of: wordy for to or for.
G
H
I
In excess of: more than, over, or exceeding.
(To be) in need of: need or a one-word synonym.
In order to: often bears replacement with to.
In terms of: often wordy for in or for.
In the affirmative: just yes.
In the course of: Try during, in, over, or while. But it’s not wordy when course is meaningful.
In the midst of: Try amid, amidst, among, during, or in.
In the negative: just no.
In the process of: often can be removed outright.
J
K
L
M
Make an effort: try.
(The) majority of: most.
Manner, e.g. in a prompt manner, in a positive manner: Where possible, replace with a one-word adverb—e.g., in a prompt manner becomes promptly, in a positive manner becomes positively.
(A) myriad of: just myriad.
N
O
Of late: lately.
Off of: When off is a preposition, of adds nothing and could be removed.
Outside of: Of is unnecessary when outside is a preposition.
Overly: The prefix over- is useful. Attach it to the word overly modifies (no hyphen required)—for example, overly aggressive becomes overaggressive; overly careful becomes overcareful.
P
Point in time: usually replaceable with point or time.
Previous to: before.
Prior to: before.
Q
R
S
Sooner rather than later: There are several equally emphatic but less clunky alternatives, such as very soon, as soon as possible, and in the near future.
T
Take into consideration: consider.
That which: Where that which has no antecedent, it can be shortened to what.
U
V
W
With the exception of: except.
